Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe
This homemade cheeseburger macaroni is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal that combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s quick to prepare and full of classic flavors that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely diced onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. This blend will thicken the sauce and add flavor.
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, then drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add liquids and pasta: Stir in the milk, chicken broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni to the browned beef. Blend the cornstarch and spice mixture with a little broth or milk, then add it to the skillet. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer until pasta is cooked: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check the pasta’s texture and add more broth or water if necessary to keep the sauce smooth and prevent dryness.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts thoroughly, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and achieve a cleaner flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh onion, onion powder works well as a substitute.
- Stir often during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more salt or paprika if desired.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food
